Dylan Hartley.

[melv16]

Regarding his previous thuggery on the rugby field, I can't believe he's been made England captain. If it was up to me he would never play again after being cited for eye gouging.

[ImLostAgain]

Ah leave him alone. He's said he's learned his lesson(s) and won't do it again!!
Doesn't look the type does he.

[melv16]

As an ex player I can understand a few fisty cuffs, but nutting, stamping and eye gouging is cowardly.
Am I being a bit old fashioned?

[Gavmacp]

It is really stupid behaviour as I would niggle him throughout the game to get a rise. The French would of beaten the Scott's on a few occasion if it hadn't been due to their ill discipline.

[Quizmonster]

He's from the same thuggish mould as Ashton and, I'd predict, will never learn a lesson either; after all, how many warnings has he had? At least the latter will not be appearing in the Six Nations...unless he's been 'forgiven' on appeal...after a ten-match ban for eye-gouging.
It seems Farrell has been taking lessons from Ashton as regards show-boating when scoring a try. That is, turning round and grinning triumphantly at his team-mates as he crosses the line. At the weekend, though, he paid the price I always hoped Ashton himself would have to pay. Once safely over the try-line, he dropped the blessed ball!

[jno]

he may have learnt his lesson. I don't believe he's been cited while playing for England?

[Togo]

Great call. Martin Johnson, Lawrence Dallaglio, Brian Moore, Dylan Hartley.

//I don't know what effect these men will have upon the enemy, but, by God, they frighten me.// The Iron Duke.

[snags]

Great choice: England need an impact player with spark as Captain, someone to galvanise others and inject some passion. Hartley will do that unlike Chris 'nice guy' Robshaw.

[melv16]

Agreed, snags. If he can stay on the pitch!

[jno]

not sure how inspiring he'll be if he's in the bin. The guy's spent more than a year of his life suspended. That makes him a risk. You just have to hope for England's sake that he's learnt to put a lid on it.

[snags]

''That makes him a risk''

Yes it does and one worth taking. If he fails to keep himself in check thats his international career over for good, a fact he is well aware of. Incidently, if not Hartley for Captain then who? Imo there is currently no one capable of bringing the qualities I mentioned in my previous post. Give him a go, it might just work. If not, get rid and rethink.